A/N: Hi, so really quickly. This is a SQ AU that takes place a little ways in the future. In this universe, incredible scientific discoveries have already changed the world.

Regina, a scientist has developed a serum. A serum that can regenerate lost limbs and organs in humans. Emma is a mother with a child who was born with a form of congenital amputation, a birth defect that caused her to be born with an underdeveloped right arm. What happens when these two women come together to help one little girl?

And yes, Killian is Regina's brother. He's not a complete asshole in this though and he's not that important so don't worry.

I own jack diddly squat. Everything belongs to the creators of Once, I'm only borrowing a few characters for a little while. I've done a lot of research on these subjects and my brain is like fried from all of it so sorry in advance for mistakes. Enjoy.

Just Hold On Tight (and don't let go)

Chapter One

"And we're back with Doctor Regina Mills." A pretty blonde television hostess said with a bright smile. The camera panned to show the woman sitting across from her. And boy, was she a sight to behold. Rich caramel skin, bold dark hair and hypnotic dark eyes. Defined cheek bones and a delicious straight jawline. Her lips were plump and kissable, painted a soft nude color to match her fresh morning show ensemble. There was only one word to describe the show's guest that morning, Perfection. There was no way that this woman was real. She had to be a hologram or something. "How are you, Doctor?" The host asked and it was more than apparent that this woman couldn't keep her eyes off of the doctor as well.

"I'm well, Kristina." The doctor said in a smooth sexy voice that would make anyone weak in the knees. "And please call me Regina. How are you?"

The hostess visibly blushed. Regina seemed completely unaware or completely disinterested it was quite difficult to tell which with the woman's neutral expression. Besides the entire world was too busy being distracted by the form fitting peach colored dress she was wearing that stopped mid thigh and just seemed to ride up when she crossed one leg over the other. The olive cleavage peeking over the top just made it even more difficult to focus on what she was saying.

"I'm fantastic." Kristina Morrison, the young host said happily. "Regina." She added the last part with a grin. Regina raised her brows with a small smirk.

"Well, that is very good news."

Kristina blushed deeper then cleared her throat. "Okay. I could sit here and talk to you all day but the producers would like for us to move along with the interview." She chuckled awkwardly.

Regina smiled gently then folded her hands in her lap and waited patiently. She flipped some of her dark hair over her shoulder then returned to her position. It was difficult to figure out whether the dress was strapless or not due to the matching peach, cropped blazer she was wearing over it.

"Now, you're the creator of Regeneration Technology and Therapy." Kristina began as she read a blue card. She looked up at Regina. "Would you please explain what that is exactly?"

"Regeneration Technology." Regina began. "Well my particular brand is composed of nano bots. I call them gennies." She said the last part with a small fond smile as if she was speaking of her children. "They are designed to act as kind of a guide, to lead our serum -which is where the therapy comes in, into recreating the proper tissue and cells needed to rebuild a missing limb or organ on or within a living organism."

The young reporter nodded. That made plenty of sense. She read another card carefully. "And what exactly is in this serum?"

Regina smiled. "I could throw medical jargon at you all day and make this explanation a lot more complicated than it needs to be but I won't." She chuckled. It was soft and melodic. "We used DNA from animals such as the axolotl, to the tunicate or the sea squirt just to name a few. We've managed to capture the gene or genes that gives them the ability to regenerate after losing a limb or in the axolotl's case, to regain feeling after being paralyzed. We've isolated this, copied it and sort of made it usable for humans. It's not perfect but we're close."

"Close?" The host asked in surprise. "You already have success stories. Multiples."

Regina nodded. "That is true but like all inventions it could be made better. For one, I'd like for the gene to work on its own when injected into the blood so when a... let's say, soldier, loses his leg, his body will already begin to regenerate and in a few months he would have his legs back."

"And how long will that take to happen?" The woman asked.

Regina shrugged a shoulder. "Years. Possibly decades. It may not even happen in my lifetime. Changing human DNA is difficult and also quite dangerous."

"Well then..." The hostess chuckled. "You've already changed the world and so many lives."

Regina smiled. "Thank you."

"One in particular." Kristina looked down at her card. "Jayla Carson." She read. "A nine year old girl from Boston who lost her leg in a car accident."

Regina nodded and a small smile graced her lips again. "Yes... Jayla. Such a sweet girl. Very strong and very determined."

The hostess smiled. "Yes. Well, we have a video of Jayla before and after treatment."

Regina smiled with a nod.

The screen then faded away from the two women and a video played on the screen. It was of a little redhead girl. She was struggling to move around on crutches. She looked to be so miserable as she walked with her parents down the street. Her head was down and she was avoiding all eye contact. One of her pants legs was rolled up revealing the missing limb that was amputated from mid thigh down.

"Would you like to explain a little about Jayla's condition?" Came the host's voice over the video.

"Yes." Regina said. "When Jayla was seven, she and her parents were in an accident. She was crushed in the backseat and her legs were badly mangled. They could save only one leg and not the other. She lost her left leg. She never liked the prosthetics. Once the news began to spread about regeneration therapy, her parents paid me a visit, along with little Jayla and I helped them."

The host hummed. "And that you did."

The video then faded out and another one replaced it on screen. This time it was the same little girl. A little bit older. She was running around on two legs, jumping and doing cartwheels in her sunny backyard. She looked so happy and full of life. She giggled as she hopped through the grass doing an excellent impression of a rabbit.

"Look at her." The reporter said. The awe could be heard in her voice.

Regina hummed. "Yes, look at her."

The camera then faded from the video and returned to the two women. It remained zoomed out so that they were both on screen and the all white set could be seen. Kristina had just finished wiping her eyes, she clearly had been crying. "We have spoken to Jayla's parents. They told us that you have given Jayla as well as them a new lease on life. Jayla has never been happier or more full of life since the accident and they could never thank you enough."

Regina smiled a little. "Yes well, Jayla is one tough cookie. The treatment is not an easy one. It takes months, to years to work. She fought hard and was rewarded in the end. I'm glad that I could help her and I'm glad that she feels at peace again."

Kristina smiled. "Yes. I'm happy for her but tell me, it doesn't have to be an amputated limb, yes?"

Regina shook her head. "No. Someone could have been born without and the serum still helps. It just takes a bit longer."

"Like your brother." The hostess asked. She looked at the card and read further. "Killian."

Regina nodded. "Yes. My twin brother Killian and I were premies. As a result he had a birth defect. He was born without his left hand. He had no problem with it when we were smaller. In fact he would dress up as Captain Hook every year for Halloween." She shook her head with a smile. The host smiled as well. "But as we grew older he started feeling different. He dealt with a lot of hate and it was tearing him apart. That is why I dedicated my life to finding a way to help my brother. He was my first human subject and he is now the proud owner of a brand new left hand."

The reported breathed out a 'wow'. "That is amazing." She smiled wide and stared into Regina's eyes. "You are really wonderful, you know that?"

Regina shifted uncomfortably at being put on the spot. "Thank you."

The woman smiled wider. "So the treatment is available to the public?"

"Oh yes, I already have a few patients booked but yes, I am accepting patients."

Kristina smiled. "Great. Wonderful." She turned to the camera addressing the audience at home. "You can contact Regina at her website. 'millsgenerationdotorg'." The woman said. She looked back at her guest then and reached a hand out. Regina of course politely accepted it. "Thank you so much for speaking with us, Regina."

Regina nodded. "Yes of course. Thank you for having me."

The blonde woman smiled. "You are a joy." She said. She then turned back to the camera. "Doctor Regina Mills, everyone."

The host smiled then the camera zoomed out. The two women were seen talking for a moment as music played them out. The image was replaced by an image of the daily weather forecast on the screen. At the bottom corner there was the time and date. It read '8:45am, Monday, May 29, 2045. The screen then faded out into a commercial.

"Wow." Their waitress said pulling the two blondes' attention away from the television that was positioned behind the counter of the diner. "What a fox, huh?"

Emma smirked at her dark haired friend then rolled her eyes. Maybe she shouldn't have sat at the counter today. "Way out of both of our leagues."

Ruby snorted. "Speak for yourself. I'll take her to a nice Apple Bee's, let her pick anything she likes from the 2 for 20 menu. We'll talk about smart people stuff. I'll pull most of my contributions to the conversation from House M.D or Grey's Anatomy." She said as she refilled Emma's mug and the one next to her. "I'll take her home for..." Her eyes caught the younger one's watching her. "Dessert and playtime then I'll tuck her in." She winked at Emma. Emma rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I'll keep taking her out and before you know it, bam! I'm a spoiled trophy wife with an even sexier wifey. She'll take my last name though."

Emma nodded slowly. "Right... that's a nice dream you had there, Ruby."

Ruby laughed. "It's not just a dream. It's going to happen. Doctor Mills is going to be Mrs. Lucas one day."

Emma laughed at her friend and shook her head. She looked over and saw the smaller version of herself still looking at the television, lost in the toy drone commercial. She nudged her with her elbow. The little girl turned to her and Emma stared into her own green eyes. Her daughter was a perfect replica of her from head to toe and it was kind of adorable. "What are you thinking?"

The little girl's pink lips curled up into a small smile and her eyes sparkled. "I'm really happy for that girl. She has a new leg and now she can do whatever she wants. She feels whole again. Good for her."

Emma's brows rose and her eyes dropped to her daughter's arm. The right one. It was visible through her daughter's denim jacket. From her elbow down was missing. Just like the Doctor and her brother, Hayden Rose Swan was born a premie with the same condition as Killian, congenital amputation. Emma was a sixteen year old runaway when she became pregnant with her. Emma didn't always eat well and resting was out of the question. Hayden's father abandoned them as soon as he found out about the baby. Apparently he was afraid that he would end up in jail being twenty-two with a sixteen year old pregnant girlfriend. Emma was on her own. Left to fend for herself and her unborn child. She didn't get a lot of doctor visits of course but when the time came she had no choice.

She went to the hospital. The baby was born three months early. She was malnourished, they both were but like her mother, Hayden was strong. Despite her missing limb and her size she pulled through then she and Emma were released into the care of child's services again.

Back into the system they went and Emma was afraid they would be separated. Not many people wanted a sixteen year old and even less wanted a sixteen year old mother but they were lucky that time. They were moved to Storybrooke, Maine and taken in by a lovely couple. Mary Margaret and David Blanchard. They were not much older than Emma was, perhaps mid to late twenties but they were a Sheriff and a teacher. They had to be more than capable of caring for a teen mom and a baby, and that they did. They gave them a family.

Despite the love Hayden received at home, school was different. She was the skinny girl that was missing part of her arm. She was a target from the moment she set foot into that school. In spite of her grandmother being a teacher there she was still bullied regularly. After she came home with a bloody nose and black eye, Emma had had enough and immediately pulled her out of school. Mary Margaret comes home and teaches Hayden every day.

Hayden has never had a normal life. Regardless of Emma's attempts at giving her one.

That's why Emma couldn't understand her daughter's sincere joy for the girl she didn't even know on television getting a new leg and getting the chance to lead a normal life. Hayden was more like her adoptive Grandparents than Emma obviously.

"Yeah that's good." Emma said softly. She felt a rush of guilt wash over her. She would never be able to give Hayden that. She couldn't even afford a prosthetic. She hated herself for that every single day.

Hayden nodded. "Everyone deserves to be happy." She added quietly. She wiggled in her seat and Emma chuckled. Hayden was happy regardless. "What do you have planned today, Mommy?"

Emma shrugged. "I was thinking I blow off work today and come spend the day with you." She grinned. Oh the benefits of working for your father. "What do you say?"

Hayden gasped and started nodding happily. "Yes!"

"Great." Emma said as she pushed some of Hayden's long blonde hair behind her ear. "What do you wanna do?"

Hayden twisted her lips to the side and tapped the corner of her mouth with her finger as she thought. Emma chuckled as she fished her wallet out. She placed some bills on the counter. For their meals and for Ruby's tip.

"Movie day!" The little girl said happily, thrusting her arm into the air. Emma chuckled. She would do anything that Hayden wanted to do as long as she got to spend time with her. That little girl was Emma's best friend and her whole world.

"Nice. Yeah. Let's do it." She stood and helped her daughter down from the stool. The little girl giggled and went skipping towards the door. Emma looked back at her friend and they shared a smile. "See you at lunch."

Ruby saluted her and Emma chuckled before heading out behind her daughter.

Ruby watched them go then looked back over at her Grandmother. The woman gave her a look then nodded. She smiled and picked up the money that Emma had left. She walked over to a jar and threw the tip in.

Regina swiped the key card to her hotel room. She slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside of the large room. She was immediately ambushed by a little white cloud barking and jumping up and down at her. She looked down at her little all white Bichon Frise puppy and chuckled. The dog stood straight up and put her front paws on Regina's leg. Those dark eyes looked up into Regina's. She smiled with a shake of her head as she bent down -which wasn't easy in the tight, short dress- to pick up the tiny thing. The puppy barked happily as Regina lifted her.

Regina heard a wolf-like whistle come from across the room. She straightened up with the dog securely in her arms. She saw her assistant sitting across the room, lounging back on the chaise by the window. Regina glared causing the younger woman to laugh.

"Good morning, Miss Mills." She said with a grin. "Looking good." She added with a wag of her brows. Regina rolled her eyes at the younger woman's teasing.

"Morning Mulan."

Mulan was one of Regina's assistants at the lab. Not that Regina had favorites but if she did Mulan would be it. The girl was smart, funny, polite and always ready to work. Not to mention that she was wise beyond her years and Regina found herself being completely comfortable confiding in her. If she didn't work for her she would even consider her a friend. That is why she chose her to be her personal assistant. Her go-to person when she needed to do interviews, travel or attend events. Mulan felt honored and promised to do her best and so far the young girl had gone above and beyond her best. Regina was so grateful for her.

"I got a message almost immediately after the show ended." She said matter-of-factly. Regina sighed but it was more of a groan.

"Not another interview."

Mulan smirked and shook her head. "No. It was a sweet woman. She wanted some information. Apparently there's a little girl that she knows. This child is very loving and kind. She wanted to know how to get a consultation and how much the treatment would be. The child's family doesn't have much money but they are very influential to their town. The town is going to help them. They want to raise the money for the little girl to get it done."

Regina sat on the bed and sat her dog beside her. She began to take her heels off. She then fell back against the bed with a heavy sigh. "Does the child have a name?" She asked as her dog Collette cuddled against her side.

"Hayden Swan." Mulan replied right off the top of her head. Regina smiled.

"She sounds adorable." She chuckled. "Age?"

"Seven."

"What's her condition like?"

"She didn't go into much detail, she just said that the child was missing half of her right arm."

Regina nodded. She had a flash of what her brother was like at seven. His struggle to fit in, him being bullied, Regina having to stick up for him. She tensed and felt instant sympathy for young Hayden. "I would like to take a nap and I would personally call the woman." She said quietly.

Mulan nodded with a smile. She knew that Regina was a softie when it came to children. "Yes, Regina. I will give you a copy of her information and keep one for myself."

"Thank you, dear." Regina slowly began closing her eyes. "Take a break."

Mulan nodded again. She pulled out a small card. Well, it looked like a card but it was a small tablet for writing notes on. She quickly typed in the woman's information. She then did the same on another for herself. She then pocketed hers and she stood. She walked over and sat the tiny device down onto the desk. She then headed for the door.

"Holler if you need me." She said, causing Regina to laugh. With a small chuckle, she slipped out of the room. Probably to go shopping. They were in New York City after all.

Regina sighed and relaxed further into the bed. She'll pay Fifth Avenue a visit later. She hadn't the energy at the moment. To say she was exhausted would be an understatement. The company had been working her to death with press. She understood that they had invested a lot of money into her invention but it was successful. They didn't need to do so much advertising. If they wanted more profit, they could start by lowering the rate for the treatment for one. It was much too expensive but Regina's mother and the head of the company, 'Wonderland corp.', Cora Mills would never do that. Profit was too important to her.

Regina of course didn't agree. She was never one for riches and showing off. No matter how much Cora tried to pound her shallow, selfish values into her.

Regina couldn't wait to break free from her. She wanted nothing more than to sever all ties and affiliation with Cora's company. That way she could do whatever she wanted and get to help people as she originally intended.

But breaking away from Cora was a pipe dream. Ever since Regina was a small child Cora kept her under her thumb. Never allowing her to grow. Her brother and sister broke free eventually but Regina never could. Cora latched on to her for some reason and tightened her grip. She was suffocating her and sucking the life out of her very slowly. Now it was even worse.

She was using Regina's discovery to make the world a better place as some kind of cash cow to make the association richer. Regina wanted to help people, not bleed them dry. Cora couldn't understand that. Cora couldn't wrap her head around the concept of kindness.

On more occasions than one, Regina wondered if she was born to the wrong mother. There was no way that Cora's blood flowed through her body. She didn't care how much they looked alike. She couldn't have come from someone so cold and cruel. She scoffed.

Mother.

She was not going to stand for it anymore. She was going to talk to her mother about giving that little girl the treatment for a lower rate. Seven years old. It should have been free for someone that young but Cora wouldn't go for that. It was going to be a battle to get her to not charge the girl's family a fortune. That's why Regina needed a nap. She needed all of her energy to tackle a conversation about money with Cora.

Regina also planned to contact the woman who called earlier that day and tell her to raise as much money as she can and they'll go from there. She didn't care if they raised two dollars, she'd do it for that. Regina was going to run the show this time.

Ruby walked out into the middle of the diner. It was still bustling and Emma had only left moments ago but after a quick discussion with Granny they decided what they were going to do. Granny had went off to her office and sent a message to the good Doctor Mills and they were waiting to hear back from her. That didn't mean that they had to sit and twiddle their thumbs though. They could do something in the meantime to get a head start.

"Can I get everyone's attention?" She asked gently. She waited for them to quiet down. She growled deep within her chest when they rudely ignored her and just continued chatting away and moving along. She rolled her eyes. Ruby was a lot of things but patient was not one of them. She also did not tolerate disrespect. "Hey!" She screamed.

All conversation came to a screeching halt. People paused in their steps across the diner and forks stopped on the way to some patrons' mouths. All eyes were on her. She smiled, dipped her head and curtsied sarcastically.

"Why thank you!" She said in an equally sarcastic tone. "Now, that I've gotten your attention. I'd like to make an announcement." She looked over at Granny. Her grandmother nodded for her to proceed. "Okay, well you all saw that segment on that show with that doctor, right?"

A few people nodded, some said 'yes' or 'yeah', a few hummed the affirmative.

"Just get on with it, sister." Came an annoyed gruff voice. Ruby shot a glare at Leroy, the town's drunk and electrician.

"I'm not your sister. I'm much too tall." She shot back.

The man grumbled and took a long gulp of his coffee. Ruby rolled her eyes and continued addressing the other patrons. "Well, we all know a certain precious little girl who would love to have the Doctor's help." All of the people nodded and started agreeing. She nodded and continued, "Good. Hayden deserves that. She deserves what that little girl on t.v. got and you know what? Instead of being jealous, she was happy for a little girl that she didn't even know. She's a good person. Just like Emma, her mother and Mary Margaret and David, her grandparents. They do so much for us and this town. I say we give back by helping Hayden see that doctor."

"But..." A sneeze cut the man off. Ruby looked over at Tom Clark. The only pharmacist in town. He sneezed again. "That procedure is probably expensive."

"Oh it is." Granny cut in. "That's why I say we call do our part to raise the money. Fundraising for one thing."

"What do you have in mind?" Archie Hopper asked.

Ruby shrugged. "We're taking suggestions, so If anyone has any ideas, please throw them our way."

"We can do a book sale." Belle French. The town Librarian suggested. Ruby smiled at her friend.

"Yeah!" Ruby said excitedly. "Anything you guys are good at. Granny and I can do a bake sale. Belle, book sale. We can do carwashes, a fair, anything to raise money. I really think we can pull this off if we work as a team."

"Yeah!" The entire diner cheered.

"Awesome." Ruby chuckled, happy that their town was on the same page. "But no one tell Emma and Hayden."

"We want it to be a surprise." Granny added.

"And they might try to talk us out of it." Ruby said with an eye roll. "You know how they are when we try to do something for them."

"Remember Hayden's seventh birthday party?" Astrid, one of the nuns asked.

"How could we forget?" Marco cut in.

"I have never met someone that felt guilty about someone throwing them a party." Mother Superior added. Everyone in the diner hummed and nodded.

Ruby snapped her fingers. "Yes! That's why we can't tell them until it's too late and they can't back out." Ruby whispered.

"What about David and Mary Margaret?" Deputy Graham asked from his booth. "You know, David is my boss..."

"You can tell them but make sure that they swear not to breathe a word to the blondes." Ruby explained. The man nodded. Ruby nodded back then clapped her hands together. "Is everyone onboard with this?"

The entire room erupted into excited whoops and hollers. She thrusted a fist into the air.

"Yes! You guys rock!" She giggled. "Okay, everyone continue your meals. We have our work cut out for the next few weeks."

She looked over at Granny and the woman nodded at her in approval. Ruby smiled at her. She began swinging her dish towel around in her hand as she headed to the back of the restaurant with a huge grin on her face.

Emma followed Hayden up the path to the diner. About ten minutes into 'Maleficent' Emma and Hayden's stomachs started playing a perfectly in sync orchestra of growls and groans, so they paused the movie and Emma suggested she'd cook lunch. After a fit of laughter at the humorous suggestion they headed back to the diner to pick up a couple of meals to-go.

"Mommy," Emma heard the small voice say from beside her. She looked down to see her daughter looking up at her with worry in her soft green eyes.

"What's up, kid?" She asked as they stopped their walk up the pathway to the diner.

"My shoelace is untied again." The little seven year old said with so much shame that it broke Emma's heart. She gave her daughter a reassuring smile and lowered herself into a squatting position.

"I'm sorry." Hayden said as she watched her mother tie her sneaker laces. Misery and frustration in her eyes.

Emma wished that her daughter understood that she was just young and she would be able to conquer her disability if she remained determined. She could do so much. What is an untied shoe? She wished that Hayden understood how proud she was of her.

Emma frowned. "What are you sorry about, Hayden?" She asked finishing her double knot. Hayden rose her shoulders then looked away. "Hayden?" Emma pressed.

"I'm sorry because you always have to do everything for me like I'm a baby." The little girl grumbled. Emma's brows rose. She hadn't expected that. Her heart squeezed.

Emma sighed. "Listen, Hayden, I'm your mom. You will always be my baby and always need me." She put her hands on her daughter's arms and squeezed. "Being your mom is the best job in the world. You are so awesome."

Hayden smiled a little then. "You're not so bad yourself." She teased.

Emma released a relieved breath. That was resolved quickly. She knows that Hayden is holding in a lot of frustration and it's just a matter of time before it boils over. She grabbed her daughter and pulled her close, wrapping her arms around her, hugging her tight. She heard Hayden sigh as she hugged her back, burying her little face in her mother's hair.

"I love you." Emma whispered. "I love you so, so, so much, Munchkin."

Hayden giggled at the nickname. Emma hadn't called her that since she was a small child. "I love you, too, Mom."

"Good." Emma said as she pulled away and looked up at her beautiful daughter. She was wearing a smile and her eyes were sparkling. Gone was the sadness and misery. She kissed the little girl's nose making her giggle again. "Feel better?" She asked looked up at her.

Hayden nodded with a smile. "Yes."

"Good." Emma said giving her another squeeze. She stood up then. "Let's go get our food. I'm starving."

Hayden took Emma's hand and they walked the rest of the way up the path. Hayden hopped up the few steps to the door. Emma held the door open for her daughter and they walked in. As soon as they stepped inside all eyes were on them. All conversation had ceased and you could hear a pin drop. Emma raised her brows. They obviously weren't staring at Hayden. They've been seeing the child her entire life so luckily for them no one stared at Hayden. Emma was still curious though.

Ruby grumbled some incoherent words and cracked her dishtowel at the patrons in a very Granny-like manner. Everyone snapped out of it and went back to eating or talking. Ruby rolled her eyes and went back to wiping down the counter. She shook her head and grumbled some more. Emma and Hayden shared a look then they decided to approach the grumpy dark haired waitress.

"Hey Ruby." Emma said leaning on the counter where Ruby had just wiped. The waitress raised a brow at her. Emma instantly sat up and raised her hands in surrender. Ruby nodded then waved at Hayden. Hayden giggled and waved back. Emma slid her hands into the back pockets of her skin tight skinny jeans. She rocked on her heels as she eyed her friend.

"Having fun with your mom?" Ruby asked Hayden. Hayden nodded and Emma grinned.

"Yeah! We watched Snow White and the Huntsman!" Hayden said excitedly. Ruby made a face and looked at Emma. Emma just shrugged. "We were watching Maleficent but then we got hungry."

"Now, 'Maleficent' that's much better." Ruby chuckled. Hayden nodded.

"Its my favorite." She smiled wide then. She leaned over the counter and lowered her voice. Ruby leaned in as well. Emma raised a brow at the interaction. "Mom, said she was going to cook lunch." She whispered horribly.

Ruby snorted and leaned back. "Oh no."

Hayden nodded with a cute little giggle. Emma looked at her daughter. She loved her daughter's laugh. Even when it was at her expense. "Bullies."

They both started laughing. "We're not. We love you, Emma but cooking is not your thing. You're great at so many other things. Say, mothering Hayden for example."

"She's the world's best mom." Hayden said with a big nod.

Emma smiled at her daughter then looked over at Ruby and shrugged. "I kinda am."

Ruby chuckled with a soft shake of her head. "Okay Super Mom." She walked away from the counter and headed to the back where the kitchen was.

Emma looked around the diner. The people who had been staring quickly looked away. She looked down at Hayden who was looking up at her with wide eyes. She shrugged. The little girl did the same causing her mother to smile.

"Okay." Ruby said as she emerged from the back. "Two double cheese burgers and onion rings. I put extra tartar sauce. I remembered the two ice cold root beers too." She winked at Hayden and the child grinned wide. Ruby usually had their meals ready for them. This time was no different.

"Thanks Ruby." Emma said as she paid. She handed Ruby a tip.

"You already tipped me." Ruby said handing the cash back. Emma shrugged and refused to accept the bills.

"Its whatever."

Ruby's brows rose. "Well thanks, Swan."

Emma shrugged and smiled at her friend. "Think nothing of it. Well, we're going to go. I need to feed the carnivore over here." She looked down at Hayden that stuck her tongue out at her. Emma returned the gesture making her daughter laugh. Emma smiled at Ruby. "See you tomorrow, Ruby."

"See ya." Ruby said with a wave and a wink at Hayden.

Hayden waved. "Bye Ruby."

"Okay kid." Emma said. "Race you to the car, loser cleans up after lunch."

Hayden grinned before she took off running towards the door. Emma laughed and looked at her friend. She shook her head before turning and running after her daughter.

Ruby watched them go with a small fond smile. She was proud of Emma. She remembered when she first met Emma. They were both young teenagers. Emma was so scared. She thought she was going to screw up Hayden but Ruby kept telling her that she could do it. She watched Emma grow from that scared girl into a strong beautiful mother. It was really something.

She chuckled to herself. She pushed off of the counter, walked over to the tip jar and threw Emma's tip in.

Thanks for reading.

Sorry this chapter was so short it was sort of an introduction. I also plan to go into more detail about Hayden's condition. I've done a lot of research and I still am.